British court rules against withdrawing food and water from brain-damaged patient

September 28, 2011

A British judge has refused to approve an order to withdraw food and water from a brain-damaged woman, saying that she has some degree of consciousness and there is a possibility that her condition could improve.

The family of the woman, who is identified only as “M,” asked for court permission to withdraw food and water, causing her death. “M” has been in a condition that doctors describe as a “minimally conscious state” for over 8 years.

But Mr. Justice Baker of High Court noted that “M” does respond to her surroundings. “The factor which does carry substantial weight, in my judgment, is the preservation of life,” he said.

 

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Further information:

• Death plea case rejected by judge (BBC)